Daniel Agger is expected to discover on Wednesday whether he faces an extended period on the sidelines with a calf injury suffered against Oldham Athletic.

Liverpool ended Sunday's FA Cup third-round win with 10 men after their vice-captain had to be helped off moments after the manager Brendan Rodgers made his third substitution. Agger appeared in severe discomfort as he left the pitch and underwent a scan on his calf on Tuesday amid concerns over the extent of the problem.

The defender has only recently reclaimed his first-team place from Mamadou Sakho, who has a hamstring problem, and a lengthy absence would be a severe blow to the 29-year-old in what has proved a difficult season.

Rodgers has until 6pm on Wednesday to respond to an FA charge for his comments regarding the referee Lee Mason's appointment for Liverpool's Boxing Day defeat at Manchester City.

The West Bromwich Albion striker, Matej Vydra, has underlined the importance of Pepe Mel's first game in charge after the 1-0 defeat by Southampton leaves them only three points above the relegation zone